THE FEAST OF SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HERMIT.
FEAST OF ST SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HERMIT.
THE GOODNEWS:
"Hear then the parable of the sower.
When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path.
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while,
and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it;
he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matthew 13: 18 - 23)."
Friday 24th July 2026, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sharbel Makhluf. (1828 - 1898). A Lebanese Catholic priest, monk and hermit.
Sharbel is known for his great devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament and his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He was a great miracle worker during his life and after his earthly life, he continued to draw crowds who seek healing and other material and spiritual favors from him.
In our Gospel message for today, let us reflect on this illuminating words:
"The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it."
Does your problem with the word of God stem from the fact that you do not understand it?
Do you understand the word of God as a personal message to you requiring a response or action? This response is called obedience of faith.
No understanding the message, no response or wrong response.
So how do we understand God's word to us?
Through prayerful reflection and meditation.
Read the verse or the message several times.
When the Lord spoke this Scripture to me: "Make my Kingdom and my holiness your top priority. I promise you that I will take care of everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33). I read the passage hundreds of times. Eventually, the message went from my head to my heart and I understood it and laughed for joy.
"But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 23)."
The Word of God is God's love letter to you.
No understanding of God's love letter to you, no possibility of bearing fruit. Your ability to bear any fruit will be in direct proportion to your understanding of God’s word to you.
God commanded Joshua to read the word He gave him and meditate on it day and night and always. This is the only way Joshua could succeed. (Cf Joshua 1: 7 - 8).
We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ every July.
Blood of the New and Eternal Covenant
The Eucharistic mystery is the perpetual presentation of Christ's sacrifice.
Every Mass is a manifestation of teleology, drawing creation back to its Creator through the living presence of Jesus.
Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:
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